2027 Election: Former Kano Gov, 2 Others Backed for PDP Chairmanship Position, Full List Emerges

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.

FCT, Abuja – Ahead of the 2027 election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to retain the chairmanship of the party in the north.

Legit.ng reports that the opposition party’s national chairman is Umar Damagum, also a northerner, from Yobe state. Damagum is widely expected to be replaced in November.

As reported on Thursday, September 11, by Vanguard, the PDP’s chairmanship position is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s presidential campaign machinery and determining how its candidates will emerge for the 2027 elections.

Several names have already surfaced in discussions, including former Kano state governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; former Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom; and Kwara-born Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

It was gathered that each is backed by different blocs seeking to influence the party’s future direction.

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A chieftain of the party, aligned with the influential G-5 group of former governors, confirmed to the press that no final decision had been reached on micro-zoning.

Asked if a firm decision had been made, he replied:

“No. Positions have not been micro-zoned yet. On a personal note, my leader (Ortom) has also decided to throw his hat in the ring for national chairmanship position, so I have stood down my bid for the same position.”

A senior party member, who has been active in the ongoing consultations, shared that he had been travelling across different states to build alliances, ahead of any eventual micro-zoning announcement.

He said:

“I’ve already started. I’ve been to about eight states so far. It is not just my ambition, it is also part of the national chairmanship campaign.”

Another insider explained how the absence of a clear micro-zoning formula has intensified competition and created deep uncertainty around the chairmanship race.

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The ongoing stalemate has sparked unease among PDP members, with some warning that prolonged indecision could lead to defections or weaken the party’s preparations for 2027.

PDP chairmanship aspirants

1) Ibrahim Shekarau (Northwest)

2) Samuel Ortom (Northcentral)

3) Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (Northcentral)

PDP zones presidency to south

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the PDP zoned the party’s presidential slot to the southern part of the country.

The resolution was reached during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) 102nd convention held at the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja held in August.

The PDP said that the decision followed the recommendations of the report submitted by the Governor Douye Diri-led national convention zoning committee.

Source: Legit.ng